by Kristen Bagwell

Have you ever considered breast augmentation? I have been saying I plan to do this for years, but I was never really serious. Two kids and 30 lbs up/down later...I am serious. I have actually been researching for almost two years, and I think I'm about there, but it's crazy to think it could soon be real! But I digress...I am starting in the middle, and we should back up to the beginning. 

In February, Katie at Triad Mom shared her thoughts and questions about breast augmentation in a post called "Does Size Really Matter?" and I can tell you first hand: it does. I have been a "barely A" for as long as I can remember. I actually loved being pregnant because I fully filled a size B bra for the first time in my life. I loved my shape while pregnant, and after my kids were born, the weight loss was very deflating to my ego. (Get it? ha ha) After kid number two, I decided it was time for drastic measures.

How do you even talk about breast augmentation? I've been very lucky. My husband and all of my immediate family have basically said "if it will make you feel better about yourself and it's safe for your health, there's no reason not to do it!" It's really my friends that I'm worried about at this point. I've had two consultations at two different doctors, and I'm still not done interviewing. (These are THE GIRLS, after all.)

The appointment themselves are pretty straightforward...make the appointment, meet the doctor, discuss your goals (why you want the surgery, what you're expecting to have happen, fact finding mission, etc) and then you get to play with the bra fillers to see what size you want. After that, you're generally moved to a business office where an admin-type describes the actual procedure and associated costs, and you discuss financial options and timing. Easy breezy, right?

I had thought this would be a totally simple decision but as I come closer to it, I am starting to wonder. I'd intended to have my girls augmented on my 39th birthday (October of this year) but now I am starting to get nervous. Will it be miserable pain-wise? Will I regret it? How long will it take them to settle in so I don't look like I am wearing a life preserver? As I age, will they move with me, or will I look like an idiot with a perky chest and saggy everything else?

These are all valid questions and there are about 1000 more, but at the end of the day, here is what I've learned so far:

Ask Around
As Katie mentioned, this surgery is more mainstream than ever. Ask for advice on doctors, medical offices, procedures and costs. Everyone knows someone who has had this done, so get advice and input when you're trying to decide with whom to meet.

Do your homework
Why do you want the surgery? What size are you looking for? Do you need a lift and a poof, or just one of those? Are there any factors that would prevent you from physically tolerating the surgery? What are your overall goals, and on what timeline? The doctors will ask you all of these things, so be ready to respond.

Get the doctor's input
It's a little embarrassing, but you have to let the doctors do a full assessment before they can make an educated recommendation. In my case, this involved being naked from the neck to the waist, a couple of measuring tapes, and quelling a very interested husband. (He was not there for the measuring, but he was there for the "try these on for size" fashion show.) My point? Make sure the doctor is asking why you want the surgery. Make sure you're asking every single question that you have. Make sure the doctor has spent the time to make an accurate assessment, and make sure to ask for that in writing. You may need to sleep on it before you make the final call, and you'll want to have notes to refer back to.

I have visited three doctors in the past two years, with one to go. They have all been warm, intelligent, and articulate, which makes my decision much harder. All I can say here is go with your gut. I'll be selecting my doctor soon and we'll go from there...is anyone with me?